Full Salary Range: $124,600 – $289,400 annually
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Position Type: Full Time
Application Deadline: 18 September 2025, at 8:59 PM PT
Department Summary
The Hammer Museum believes in the promise of art and ideas to illuminate our lives and build a more just world. We champion the art and artists who challenge us to see the world in a new light, to experience the unexpected, to ignite our imaginations.The Hammer understands that art not only has the power to transport us through aesthetic experience but can also provide significant insight into some of the most pressing cultural, political, and social questions of our time. We present the unique and invaluable perspectives that artists have on the world around us. A vibrant intellectual and creative nexus, the Hammer is fueled by dynamic exhibitions and programs—including lectures, symposia, film series, readings, and musical performances—that spark meaningful encounters with artistic expression.
Position Summary
The Hammer Museum at UCLA seeks a visionary, dynamic, and strategic leader to serve as Chief Curator. In partnership with the Museum’s Director, the Chief Curator shapes and leads the creative and curatorial vision of the institution, overseeing the development of compelling exhibitions and the stewardship of the Hammer Contemporary Collection and UCLA’s Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden. As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Chief Curator plays a pivotal role in setting institutional priorities, forging new artistic directions, and advancing the Museum’s mission through bold and innovative curatorial initiatives. The Chief Curator makes critical, strategic decisions regarding the Museum’s institutional plans. This position provides strategic leadership across the curatorial division – supervising the curatorial, exhibitions, publications, registration and preparation staff in leading curatorial and collections initiatives in accordance with standard museum practice and the guidelines of the AAMD, AAMC and AAM.
The Chief Curator’s primary duties include the conceptualization, development, and direction of modern and contemporary in-house exhibitions; the determination of curatorial priorities; oversight of exhibition implementation; and selection and leadership of traveling and guest-curated exhibitions. This role also includes the strategic development of the Hammer Contemporary Collection and oversight of the UCLA Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden. The incumbent engages actively with artists, scholars, donors, and the broader public, and participates in programs including lectures, symposia, and scholarly meetings. The Chief Curator also provides leadership to the Artist Council and Artist Residency program and supports the engagement of the Museum’s Board of Advisors. Reporting to the Hammer’s Director, the Chief Curator will contribute to the museum-wide strategy and serve as a core member of the senior management team, ensuring the curatorial vision aligns with broader institutional goals. They will lead, mentor, and evaluate the curatorial department staff, fostering an environment of growth and development. The Chief Curator will set departmental goals, manage daily operations, and chair internal meetings to ensure the department runs smoothly. They will provide oversight to the Director of Exhibitions and Publications and the Director of Registration and Collections Management, ensuring that all areas are functioning cohesively. Collaboration with the Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts and the Learning, Engagement, and Research department is key to supporting academic and community initiatives, fostering a deeper connection with the public.
Salary & Compensation
*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.
Qualifications
- 10+ years Curatorial experience, including organizing major contemporary art exhibitions with scholarly rigor and public impact (Required)
- 10+ years Strong leadership skills with experience building, managing, and mentoring teams, and ability to support a dynamic and inclusive institutional culture (Required)
- Experience supporting and fostering a variety of voices, perspectives and ideas through curatorial work that aligns with the mission of the Museum (Required)
- A deep understanding of and passion for the Hammer’s mission and belief in art, ideas, creativity, and knowledge-building as a powerful engine for positive social change (Required)
- Deep knowledge of contemporary art practices, histories, and discourses across diverse communities and global contexts (Required)
- Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners, artists, and communities (Required)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience in public speaking, publishing, and grant writing (Required)
- Ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on execution of exhibitions and programs (Required)
- Familiarity with museum standards for collections care, acquisitions, and donor relations (Required)
- Knowledge of and engagement with sustainability practices in exhibition-making is a plus (Required)
- Enthusiasm for the Hammer Museum’s mission and a demonstrated ability to support a dynamic, inclusive institutional culture (Required)
Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations
- Master’s Degree in art history, curatorial studies, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience (Required)
- PhD or equivalent experience preferred (Preferred)
Special Conditions for Employment
- Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
- Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends (Required)
- 20% Ability to travel domestically and internationally
